Bourbon Gravy Asparagus Sirloin Tips in the Crockpot

This slow cooker dinner delivers fork-tender sirloin tips and crisp-tender asparagus in a rich, savory bourbon-mushroom gravy.

With just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, then come back to a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The sauce is glossy, the beef is juicy, and the garlic infuses everything with aroma. Serve it over rice for a complete dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

There's something magical about a meal that comes together in a slow cooker with almost no effort. This recipe takes top sirloin steak tips, fresh asparagus, and smashed garlic, then simmers them in a rich mushroom-bourbon gravy until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

The result is a deeply savory dish with a hint of sweetness from the bourbon and a buttery finish. It's the kind of dinner that feels special but couldn't be easier—just layer the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

Slow cooking is the secret to turning a relatively lean cut like sirloin into fork-tender perfection.

The low, gentle heat breaks down the connective tissue, while the gravy keeps the meat moist and infuses it with flavor. The asparagus holds its shape and texture, offering a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

The bourbon-mushroom gravy does double duty: it seasons the beef as it cooks and becomes a luscious pan sauce that coats every bite. The butter adds richness and helps create a silky, glossy finish. Because everything cooks together, the flavors meld and deepen without any extra steps.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality jarred mushroom-bourbon gravy for convenience, or make your own if you prefer. The gravy should have a deep, savory flavor with a hint of bourbon. If you can't find bourbon gravy, use a rich beef gravy and stir in a tablespoon of bourbon before adding it to the slow cooker.

Top sirloin steak tips are ideal because they're tender and cook well in a slow cooker. If you use a tougher cut like chuck, increase the cooking time by 30 minutes. For the asparagus, choose spears that are firm and bright green; trim the woody ends before adding.

• top sirloin steak tips: chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes (cook 30 minutes longer)
• asparagus: green beans or broccolini (add during the last 30 minutes)
• mushroom-bourbon gravy: beef gravy with 1 tablespoon bourbon stirred in
• salted butter: unsalted butter plus 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving spoon